CATW Biennial Report 2008/2009 The Coalition Against Trafficking in Women CATW’s Table of Mission Contents

From the Executive Director 29 Defeat of Proposition K in San Francisco, California CATW at the UN 30 CATW at the New York Bar The Coalition Against Trafficking in Women 06 Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) 2008 International (CATW) is a non-governmental 07 Commission on the Status of Women CATW News (CSW) 2009 31 Multidimensional Security Against organization that promotes women’s human 08 Geneva and Vienna Organized Crime in Latin America 32 Sigma Huda Released from Jail CATW Around the World 33 CATW Honors Congressional Anti-Slavery rights by working internationally to combat 09 Political Progress with CATWA — Coalition Champion of 2008 Award Recipient Against Trafficking in Women — Australia sexual exploitation in all its forms. Founded 10 Law Enforcement Workshops in Latin Advocacy and the arts America and the Caribbean (CATW-LAC) 34 A Conversation Among Men About Sex in 1988, CATW was the first international 11 CATW Activists Stand Up for Human Trafficking Rights in Seoul, Korea 35 The New Abolitionists non-governmental organization to focus on 13 IROKO: Moving On CATW Remembers 14 Investigations and Rescues in West Africa 36 Norma Hotaling 16 A Better World Is, Indeed, Possible human trafficking, especially sex trafficking 37 Louise Armstrong (CATW-AP) 38 Florence Rush of women and girls. CATW obtained 18 The European Union 19 the nia project

Category II Consultative Status with the 20 Programs for Migrants and Potential The quotations throughout this report have been Victims of Human Trafficking in Georgia excerpted from panel discussions, performances, United Nations Economic and Social Council CATW in Action and videos produced by CATW and our partner 22 A Centre for Immigrant Women in organizations. in 1989. It is a fundamental human right to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada 23 Prostitution Policy in Belgium be free of sexual exploitation in all its forms. 24 Incremental Changes of Prostitution The flower illustrations herewithin Policies in the Netherlands represent the national flowers of each country. Women and girls have the right to sexual 26 Victory in Rhode Island 27 CATW’s Campaign Against HBO’s integrity and autonomy. Cathouse

2 CATW BIENNIAL REPORT 2008/2009 CATW BIENNIAL REPORT 2008/2009 3 From the Executive Director Norma Ramos, Esq.

CATW’s groundbreaking principled advocacy or decriminalize the prostitution industry in polices that discourage the demand for com- CATW achieved a major victory in September continued to strengthen over 2008 and 2009. several countries, including Belgium, the mercial sex, remains a key component of our 2008 by co-leading a campaign in New York These were highly productive years for CATW. Netherlands, the UK, and in the Middle East. anti-trafficking approach. In commemoration State to secure passage of the Safe Harbor Our ongoing work to end human trafficking We promoted comprehensive legal and policy of the UN International Day for the Abolition for Exploited Youth Act. Governor Paterson by challenging the global sex trade on local, reform that included measures to curb the of Slavery, CATW held the first event of its signed the act, creating a critical tool for pro- national and international levels is expanding demand within the United Nations in Vienna kind, A Conversation Among Men About Sex tecting prostituted girls. The act decriminalizes its reach. and Geneva (including at the UNODC). During Trafficking, to bring together male leaders to sexually exploited children and requires local the spring of 2008, CATW Europe initiated address the demand for commercial sex that districts to provide crisis intervention services This biennial report highlights some of our the establishment of a MEP abolitionist group leads to sex trafficking. and community—based programming for ex- achievements in 2008 and 2009. Our global within the European Parliament (EP). ploited youth. This law became the first law in partners continue their bold advocacy to end At the UN, we continue to provide parallel North America to recognize sexually exploited human trafficking. In Bimbilla, Ghana, with CATW participated in the 61st Annual DPI/ events at CSW that feature some of the most youth as sex trafficking victims. CATW support, the Enslavement Prevention NGO Conference at UNESCO in Paris, France. compelling speakers on the issue of human Alliance—West Africa (EPA—WA) rescued 15 Entitled “Reaffirming Human Rights for All: trafficking. In 2009, we presented panels, I look forward to expanding our work and part- sexually exploited children, as young as four The Universal Declaration,” the event cel- featuring author and activist Victor Malarek, on nering with new individuals and organizations years old, from a brothel. ebrated the 60th anniversary of the Universal the responsibility of men to end the demand willing to come together and speak with one Declaration of Human Rights. I was privileged for sex trafficking. We also featured a panel voice to end human trafficking in our lifetime. In Mexico City, CATW Latin America and the to present on the abolitionist approach to end- on the role pornography plays in socializing a Together, we will sharpen our fight against the Caribbean and partner Teresa Ulloa Ziaurriz ing human trafficking to the Violence Against highly destructive sexuality. Filmmaker Chyng demand for and legalization/normalization of organized and hosted a historic meeting. Women panel. Sun’s film The Price of Pleasure was pre- commercial sexual exploitation and advance This meeting was the first of its kind to bring sented. The film was followed by a reception our mission as the world’s leading abolitionist together abolitionists working to end commer- To strengthen our network of abolitionist for the newly named Special Rapporteur on organization. cial sexual exploitation in 19 Latin American organizations and advocates in North America, Trafficking in Persons, Joy Ngozi Ezeilo. and Caribbean countries, as well as in Spain CATW launched the Abolitionist Network (AN) and the United States. Both myself and board in July 2008. The AN is a network of organiza- We continue our legal and policy reform in the member Dorchen Leidholdt participated in this tions and noteworthy individuals throughout United States. This includes measures to end meeting, which was designed to share best North America that provide a collective aboli- the demand for commercial sexual exploita- practices for ending sex trafficking throughout tionist voice for the struggle against trafficking tion. CATW co-founder Dorchen Leidholdt and Latin America. in human beings. I look forward to its contin- myself met with key senators in Washington, ued growth and success in upcoming years. D.C., to urge the reauthorization of a more CATW Europe successfully counteracted effective Trafficking Victims Protection Act proposals by parliamentarians, nongovern- Ending demand, carried out through aware- (TVPRA), a model used around the world. mental organizations and individuals to legalize ness raising and the vigorous promotion of

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CATW at the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) 2008 Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) 2009

CATW participated at the 52nd Session of the CATW was an active NGO participant at the CATW co-hosted two parallel events and a Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), 53rd Session of the Commission on the Status reception. The first event was titled “Men’s held at the United Nations in New York from of Women (CSW) held at the United Nations Responsibility: Ending Demand for Sex February 25 to March 7, 2008. The CSW con- in New York from March 2 to March 13, 2009. Trafficking,” featuring author and activist Victor sidered “financing for gender equality and the The priority theme of the session was “the Malarek and Ted Bunch of A Call To Men. The empowerment of women” its annual priority equal sharing of responsibilities between panelists presented strong arguments for the theme. women and men, including caregiving in the need to focus on demand in order to eliminate context of HIV/AIDS.” The review theme was sex trafficking for a standing-room-only audi- As part of its contribution to exploring the “equal participation of women and men in ence in the UN Church Center. The event was CSW’s theme and advocating for strong laws decision-making processes at all levels.” co-sponsored by UNANIMA International. and policies against commercial sexual exploi- tation, CATW organized two events. The first CATW submitted a written intervention that The second event featured a portion of event, held on February 27, was a panel on became part of the official UN record of the Professor Chyng Sun’s gripping documen- “The Economics of the Sex Industry: Financing session and co-signed written interventions tary film The Price of Pleasure and explored Gender Inequality.” The presenters included by partner NGOs. CATW’s written intervention the way pornography shapes men’s and of Prostitution Research and was co-submitted by UNANIMA International women’s sexuality and the negative effects Education; Taina Bien-Aimé of Equality Now; and had 28 NGO co-signers. The interven- of pornography on women’s equality. The : Professor at Wheelock College; tion stated that sexual violence is one of the connection between pornography, prostitution and author and activist Victor Malarek. leading factors in the spread of HIV/AIDS and sex trafficking was highlighted for another

Exterior of the UN Building in New York City among women and girls. The widespread crowded room of international CSW par- On February 28, CATW held a second event, sexual abuse of women and girls in the sex ticipants. Panelists included Chyng Sun; Joy entitled “Buyers and Traffickers: Partners in industry is exacerbated by the legalization of Ngozi Ezeilo, the newly appointed UN Special Sexual Exploitation,” which included panel- On February 28, CATW presented its con- prostitution, which increases the demand for Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons; and ists Ted Bunch of A Call to Men; Rachel cerns in a joint NGO statement to government prostituted women and girls. Legalization poli- author . Paul of Movement Against Prostitution delegates and other participants during the cies fail to recognize that prostituted women and Pornography; Laura Lederer, Senior CSW’s official meeting. This oral interven- and girls’ lack of negotiating power coupled Following the panels, CATW and Equality Now Director for Global Projects, Office to tion, which was delivered by Barbara Kryszko with the violence that is inherent in prostitution co-hosted a reception for Ms. Ezeilo. The Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, and is available on our website, condemned increases their vulnerability to contracting HIV/ reception gave NGO participants at CSW a U.S. Department of State; Sonia Ossorio policies and practices that tolerate and profit AIDS. While prostituted women and girls are chance to meet the new special rapporteur. of National Organization for Women—New from the sexual commodification of women the most directly harmed by governments that York City; and Melissa Farley of Prostitution and girls. legalize and legitimize prostitution, all women Research and Education. suffer a lowering of their status and gender inequality by pro-prostitution regimes.

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CATW Around the World Geneva and Vienna Political Progress with CATWA — Coalition Against Trafficking in Women — Australia

CATW is regularly represented at all critical especially Women and Children. The law does In 2008, CATW Australia (CATWA) volunteers Following the success of the CATWA 2007 UN meetings concerning human trafficking in not conform to the definition of trafficking in engaged in the usual activities of answering Conference on the Pornification of Culture, Geneva and Vienna, especially at the UNODC. persons in Article 3, to our understanding of questions from schoolchildren, journalists, and we commenced work to organize a confer- Throughout 2008, CATW and its partner and Article 9 on actions to discourage the demand, university students in Australia and overseas. ence in 2009 with the working title, Everyday affiliate organizations continued to combat or to a number of other key points. Prostitution in Melbourne: from Nude prostitution and trafficking in women and girls CATWA advised policymakers in the new gov- Modeling to Sexual Slavery. This will take by promoting comprehensive legal and policy In Geneva, CATW continued to follow the ernment in Western Australia not to implement place during the UN 16 days of Activism to reform that includes measures to curb the UN reform process and the development of legislation legalizing the prostitution industry. End Violence Against Women. demand. the Human Rights Council, with a particular The government is considering various options. focus on the appointment of a new Special These include the Swedish model, which In July 2008, four members of CATWA at- In January 2009, the United Nations High Rapporteur on Violence Against Women. prosecutes the johns and gives the victims tended the 10th International Interdisciplinary Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay of prostitution an exit strategy, as well as the Congress on Women at the Universidad met with CATW Co-Executive Director Gunilla Dutch model under which brothels can be Complutense in Madrid, Spain. The panel Ekberg. The meeting allowed for a positive licensed in designated areas. CATWA sent let- at the Congress included Youngsook Cho, exchange of ideas. Ms. Pillay expressed her ters, stating its position against legalization, to Aurora Javarte de Dios, and . full support and praise for the work of CATW all politicians to urge the government to make Also, Natasha Rave presented Legalizing International and for an abolitionist position on the right decision. Prostitution in Australia and Meagan Tyler prostitution and trafficking in human beings. gave a presentation called Pornography as In November 2008, CATWA encouraged the Authority: Promoting Pornography in Sex At the UN in Vienna, CATW participated as the Tasmanian government not to weaken its 2005 Therapy. only abolitionist organization in the UNODC legislation banning the legalization of broth- advisory group for the development of a els. CATWA met with members of the Upper In addition, CATWA wrote Report from the United Nations Model Law on Trafficking in House on two occasions. CATWA represen- Frontline: Legalized Prostitution in Australia Human Beings. This law was drafted by a well- tatives used occupational health and safety 2008, updating previous works on the ef- known Dutch lobbyist, Marjan Wijers. Wijers codes from the State of Victoria, in which fects of legalization and addressing the role together with a Dutch Law Professor Roelof brothels are legal, to call attention to the physi- of organized crime. This report can be found Haveman has been central in the implementa- cal harms suffered by prostituted women. Due on the new CATWA website, www.catwa.org. tion and defence of the Dutch Model, which to an intervention by CATWA and faith-based au, along with a number of resources and removed prohibition of brothels and other organizations, the newly-created law does not publications. prostitution activities in 2001. In its submis- completely legalize brothels. It does, however, sions, CATW emphasized that the model law is allow one or two women who do not “pimp” not consistent with the UN Protocol to Prevent, each other to engage in prostitution. Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons,

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Law Enforcement Workshops in CATW Activists Stand Up for Human Rights Latin America and the Caribbean (CATW-LAC) in Seoul, Korea

Coalition Against Trafficking in Women – Latin CATW-LAC continues to implement a Red Alert CATW participated in several events organized America and the Caribbean (CATW-LAC) had System to locate and rescue women and girls by the Center for Women’s Human Rights an exciting and busy 2008. CATW-LAC trained who have been reported missing and exploited (CWHR) in Seoul, Republic of Korea, from “Maybe instead 3,156 teachers, students, and police officials in the sex industry. Through the Red Alert September 17 to 19, 2008. Led by Young- (1,441 males and 1,715 females) in 28 courses System, CATW-LAC has helped rescue more Sook Cho, the CWHR has been at the fore- of a hundred and workshops. This training addressed law en- than 750 women, girls, and boys, who are now front of establishing a central organization to forcement and trafficking for purposes of com- in safe housing and re-entry programs, or have eradicate sexual exploitation against women in murders a month, mercial sexual exploitation, masculinity, sexual been reunited with their families. Korean society and to monitor Korean policy initiation, and the consumption of prostitution. and legislation on prostitution and trafficking. we’ll bring it down CWHR has developed networks of anti- to 10 murders a CATW-LAC developed an online Postgraduate prostitution activists, helped establish shelters Diploma on Access to Justice and Trafficking in and programs for survivors of prostitution and month. This is harm Persons for the Purpose of Sexual Exploitation. trafficking, facilitated forums and interchanges, Designed for law enforcement officials, this and provided advisory services to both gov- reduction. They course provides information on the international ernment and NGOs on anti-prostitution policy and domestic legal tools available to combat and programs. never talk about human trafficking. This course also addresses victims and their needs while analyzing the In September 2004, Korea passed far- elimination because demand for prostitution that fuels trafficking. reaching prostitution legislation that featured with elimination expanded services for survivors, stricter Representatives of CATW-LAC were invited penalties for pimps and brothel owners, and a you have to abolish to speak at international and national forums, provision against the buying of sex. The most where they discussed the role of demand as The CATW-LAC website (www.catwlac.org) gratifying part of the law is that from 2004 to prostitution.” a root cause of trafficking in women and chil- has recently been redesigned and is now 2006, there has been a 56 percent decrease dren for the purpose of sexual exploitation. available in four regional languages: Spanish, in the number of women in prostitution, ac- French, Portuguese and English. The number cording to the 2007 Report for Enforcement - Victor Malarek Although Mexico and Argentina continue to of visitors quadrupled, from 400 per month in of the Anti-Prostitution Act by the Ministry of author of The Johns: Sex for Sale lack comprehensive anti-trafficking legisla- 2007 to more than 2,000 per month in 2008. Gender Equality. Users of prostituted women and the Men Who Buy It, tion, the good news is that parliamentarians, The addition of a multimedia book and game now face fines or jail time of up to one year. speaking against the legalization government representatives, and the general on sexual education strengthened the youth According to 2009 Online Survey on Korea’s of prostitution public, both in Mexico and in the LAC region, section as well. Sex Culture by the Women’s Human Rights recognize CATW as a reliable authority on Commission of Korea, 50.6 percent of men prostitution and trafficking in persons. who had previously purchased sex have

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IROKO: Moving On

desisted in the last three years. The law of Prostitution Issues; Son Yeon-Soon, repre- Throughout 2008 and 2009, Association In 2008, IROKO also carried out training course is not perfect, and the CWHR events sentative of the National Council of Women’s IROKO continued to provide multi-level pre- programs for social workers and members of September 2008 were organized not only to Relief Centers; and Choi Jeong-Eun, repre- vention and assistance services to Nigerian of NGOs, working with victims of trafficking spotlight the achievements of the law but also sentative of the United Voice for Eradication women and children trafficked into Italy. and managing shelters. Iroko helped four to discuss its shortfalls and ways that it can of Prostitution. The workshop demonstrated IROKO continued to work to raise awareness trafficking survivors launch their own indepen- be improved. the dedication of the Korean activists and their among youth, teachers, educators, youth dent commercial activities, and continues to commitment to the women with whom they mentors, parents, political actors and the provide housing facilities, economic assis- On September 18, 2008, the CWHR held a work. The three participants noted that, com- general public on how the demand for com- tance and psychological and medical support public forum designed to address the Korean pared to the low numbers of exit programs mercial sex directly fuels trafficking of women to victims of trafficking. Prostitution Act on the fourth anniversary of its and shelters in the victims’ home countries, and children for sexual exploitation. entry into force. Entitled “Expert Meeting on the new prostitution legislation has created In April 2008, IROKO was awarded the Martin Prostitution Prevention and Victim Protection numerous shelters and programs for survivors In December 2008, in collaboration with Luther King, Jr. Prize for Human Rights by the Strategies,” the international speakers includ- of prostitution in Korea. the Nigerian NGO – Society for Youth Baptist Evangelical Christian Union of Italy, the ed Sheila Jeffreys from CATW Australia, Janice Empowerment, IROKO initiated an educational Lott Carey Foreign Mission Convention USA, Raymond from CATW International, and Julie The conference concluded with an interview support project in Nigeria to raise aware- the Municipalities of Rome and Birmingham Bindel from the Poppy Project, who is also an with Young-Sook Cho and other activists ness on how the demand for commercial sex (Alabama) and the Birmingham Civil Rights opinion columnist for The Guardian in the UK. from the CWHR on the topic of “Exposing contributes to violence against women. IROKO Institute. the Reality of Prostitution and Seeking carried out awareness-raising programs on The conference was divided into two sessions. Alternatives.” violence against women. These programs In December 2008, IROKO and Executive The first session at which targeted the general public in different cities Director Dr. Esohe Aghatise were recog- and Sheila Jeffreys spoke, addressed global in the northern part of Italy, especially in the nized and awarded by the Nigerian National prostitution policy and gender equality. At the provinces of Turin, Genoa and Bergamo. This Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons second session, and Kim In-Sook, was highly significant as it brought the aboli- (NAPTIP) for their work against trafficking in a professor at the Catholic University of Korea, tionist analysis to the attention of the general persons. addressed partnerships and empowerment for public in Italy. This is an ongoing program prostitution prevention. in collaboration with different organizations in Italy, such as the JACA Books Editors, Prior to the main conference, the CWHR orga- Bergamo (near Milan) Municipal and Provincial nized a workshop for anti-prostitution activists Councils, Amnesty International (Piedmont and shelter workers. The three participants and Val d’Aoste Branch), Turin senior second- included Song Kyung-Sook, representative ary schools, and some local government bod- of the Nationwide Council for Resolution of ies in the Turin Municipality.

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Investigations and Rescues in West Africa

The Enslavement Prevention Alliance – West care for these children and fight for the prosecu- in Accra under the theme “Tourism—Celebrating Africa (EPA-WA) had busy years in 2008 and tion of the Imam. Diversity.” The event provided a platform for 2009. Established in Accra, Ghana, in 2007, the EPA-WA to educate the attendees about human organization launched an anti-human trafficking On February 14, 2009, after a six-month inves- trafficking for sexual exploitation within the tour- campaign in connection with the African Cup tigation into an international sex trafficking ring ism industry. of Nations 2008, held in Ghana. This campaign that trafficked women from China to Ghana, generated national public awareness about the Nigeria, Togo and Kenya, seven Chinese women On December 27, 2009, EPA-WA in collabora- effects of prostitution and trafficking in Ghanaian were rescued in a brothel raid. The women tion with African Health Now, Reach 4 Recovery society. Prior to the Cup, law enforcement, im- were trafficked by a neighbor and friend from (a breast cancer awareness team), joined with migration and health officials received training Harbin, China, for sexual exploitation to meet the volunteer medical students from the University of to increase their awareness and to prepare demand for “white women” by expatriate men. Ghana Medical School in organizing a free health them to provide necessary assistance to victims. EPA-WA assisted in the investigation process fair. The health fair, with the theme “A Gift of Life In partnership with the International Labour and provided immediate victim protection. EPA- @ Christmas,” took place at the Tema Station lorry Organisation (ILO), Red Cards Against Trafficking WA worked to locate three victims who were park. The participants were provided information of Children and Women were distributed at outside of the brothel during the raid. on and access to free cholesterol and diabetes stadiums and other sporting sites. screenings, dental checks, primary oral evalua- Post-rescue, EPA-WA provided care to the vic- tions, blood pressure testing, STD and breast can- On January 20, 2008, 60 girls were rescued tims for more than five months. As there are no cer awareness education, and nutrition classes. from “Soldier Bar,” a child brothel in Accra, fol- safe shelters in Ghana for victims of sex traffick- lowing pressure on the stakeholders and an un- ing, EPA-WA rented a motel for the victims and In 2008, EPA-WA Executive Director, Anas dercover investigation by the Executive Director facilitated the psychosocial assistance provided Aremeyaw, was recognized as a 2008 U.S. of EPA-WA, Anas Aremeyaw. The Ministry of by Fran Gau. Gau, a social worker, special- Department of State Trafficking in Persons Women and Children, which was responsible izes in counseling women who are survivors of Report Hero. For his human trafficking investiga- for overseeing the care of the rescued children, gender-based violence via Skype. Yi-jen Chang tions, he was awarded the Kurt Schorck Award, negligently allowed the release of 46 children Red Cards Against Trafficking of Children and Women were of Sanctuary for Families provided guidance and as well as the Internews “Every Human has handed out at stadiums and other sporting sites during the back to the pimps the next day. This caused a Soccer Cup of African Nations 2008 in Ghana. Mandarin interpretation assistance. This case Rights” Media Award in two categories. national uproar, which brought attention to the and a number of others were listed in the U.S. trafficking of children for sexual exploitation in Department of State Human Trafficking Report Activities of EPA-WA and its staff were widely Ghana, both nationally and internationally. for forced begging and farm labor, and sexu- 2009 and resulted in a total of 42 years of jail covered by local media and international re- ally abused the girl victims under the guise of time for the convicted traffickers. ports, such as BBC’s Radio Documentary West In July, another investigation by the EPA-WA, re- providing them with an Islamic education. CATW African Journeys – Part 2 by Sorious Samura sulted in the rescue of 15 children from an Imam was the first donor to provide funding for the Additionally, EPA-WA was invited to the 30th an- and CNN International World Untold Stories: in Bimbilla, Ghana. The Imam trafficked boys children’s immediate care. EPA-WA continues to niversary of the World Tourism Day Conference Innocence for Sale.

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A Better World is, Indeed, Possible (CATW-AP)

December 22, 2009, was a historic day. It group, Bagong Kamalayan and CATW-AP than half of the leadership is female. Towards saw the birth of the first youth organization to Executive Director, Jean Enriquez. Josua Mata, the end, the participants, facilitators and take on patriarchy as its main enemy. One of Secretary-General of Alliance of Progressive guests held hands and sang: the leaders of the Youth and Students for the Labor (APL), linked these personal testimonies Advancement of Gender Equality (YSAGE), to the global growth of demand for prostitution “Don’t lose your way Ray Justin “Jong” Ventura, used these precise and gender-based violence. With each passing day words: “I know that from hereon, there will be You’ve come so far people who will be trembling in fear. They are Riza Mae Palen of YSAGE-Davao and Jong Don’t throw it away the oppressors—the traffickers, perpetrators Ventura of YSAGE-Palawan encouraged their Live believing of violence against women, and those who de- fellow campers to unite and organize so as not Dreams are for weaving fend patriarchy! I also know that today, there Participants at the First General Assembly of the Youth and to be defeated. Jong emphasized that this last Wonders are waiting to start are people who will be jubilant. They are the Student for the Advancement of Gender Equality (YSAGE). day is not the end, but only the beginning of Live your story oppressed—the women, the victims-survivors their long but triumphant road to equality. Faith, hope and glory of violence!” Jong came from the strongest militarism and capitalism, all interlinked in the Hold to the truth in your heart chapter of YSAGE, based in Palawan. system of prostitution. The YSAGE orientation paper, by-laws, logo, If we hold on together structure and common strategic goal—“To es- I know our dreams will For three days, close to 100 youth leaders The leaders were trained by CATW-AP on tablish YSAGE as a national organization cam- never die…” from 14 regions of the country gathered at human rights instruments that can be used paigning against prostitution and other forms Ridgewood Hotel in Baguio City. They reunited as tools for structural change. Through an of sexual exploitation and inequality”—were The bond that resulted from the camp not with fellow graduates from 12 youth camps adaptation of the popular game “Amazing finalized by their own leaders. The participants, only strengthened the participants’ determina- organized by the Coalition Against Trafficking Race,” the participants learned the ten steps who are strongly determined to work in their tion to pursue the principles of YSAGE as the in Women – Asia Pacific (CATW-AP) and from in organizing as well as leadership qualities. localities and organize local institutions from youth arm of CATW-AP, but also established nine echo camps organized by the graduates Popular education principles and methods various sectors, presented provincial strategic an organizational foundation and support sys- themselves. were also used. The second day ended with plans. With sheer passion in conducting echo tem to ensure their collective action. CATW-AP sharing good practices from the regional areas camps, exhibits, forums and rallies and in pro- will strengthen the bond with the youth leaders At the reunion camp, the youth leaders that have successfully formed branches of ducing informational materials, some chapters of YSAGE as they blaze the trail in the fight strengthened their understanding of women’s YSAGE in Palawan, Bicol, Marawi, Davao and have already implemented activities by solicit- against gender inequality and the oppression issues. Through the Power Walk, the young Cotabato. ing resources on their own. of others. leaders emotionally revisited different types of human rights violations—gender, class, ethnic- On the third and last day, the formal launch A national council was also elected democrati- ity, religion, sexual orientation, political opinion of YSAGE proved to be very emotional, cally, as representatives from island caucuses. and others. The roots of these violations were with testimonies by Liza Gonzales, Policy The leaders reflected the values learned during traced to exploitation, racism, patriarchy, Advocacy Officer of the prostitution survivors’ the entire reunion camp, ensuring that more

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The European Union the nia project Working for the Safety of Women and Children

CATW continued its legal and policy advocacy CATW continues to follow closely the work of For 34 years, the nia project has been 2012 London Olympics. work within the European Union (EU). Monthly the EC Expert Group on Trafficking in Human providing essential work and safe spaces scheduled meetings on issues of violence Beings, and comment regularly on their pro- for survivors of violence against women. The Some of the nia project’s most recent activi- against women, prostitution and trafficking in posals. CATW is also a member of the NGO nia project is a member of Women’s Aid ties and developments include: human beings with Members of the European Advisory Group on Human Trafficking to the Federation, England, and is one of the larg- Parliament (MEPs’) continued and resulted in a European Commissioner on Freedom, Justice est providers of services to prevent violence • The launching of London’s only pan-London number of initiatives. and Security. CATW has taken an active part against women in London. specialist refuge for women (and their chil- in analyzing and commenting on the draft for dren) with substance use issues who have In 2003, the European Commissioner on an amendment to the EC Framework Decision The nia project provides safe accommodation experienced violence and abuse Freedom, Justice and Security initiated the es- on Trafficking in Persons. CATW also submit- in one of the organization’s six refuges (one tablishment of a controversial Experts Group ted proposals to the Swedish EU Presidency of which is a specialist refuge for women with • An exhibition of photos by service users de- on Trafficking in Human Beings. This advisory for its two conferences on trafficking in human drug and alcohol issues). It also provides spe- picting their experiences of violence against experts group had a significant but unhealthy beings and violence against women in the fall cialized services for women who have experi- women and the safe spaces that they have impact on the development of policy on traf- of 2009. enced sexual violence, women with substance found/made in London ficking in human beings within the EU. use issues and women involved in prostitu- tion. Specialist community-based services • The development of an innovative partnership In 2008, a new experts group was set up with a “Robbery and murder are evils that for Turkish, Somali-speaking and Eastern- project to provide preventative and support mandate that focuses on all forms of trafficking, in- have always existed, but no society European women are also provided. In addi- services to young people at risk of offending, cluding forced labour. The European Commission tion, the nia project offers accredited training particularly within “gangs” (EC) allowed for governments and NGOs’ to ever thought of saying: since we to professionals on a wide range of issues and propose candidates for this experts group. CATW cannot eliminate robbery or murder, provides therapeutic support for children and • An advocate/educator to work specifically carried out a Europe-wide campaign directed to let us agree to a way of living young people, including young women at risk with disabled women European women’s NGOs’ to support the candi- that will submit them to certain of sexual exploitation. The nia project is one of dacy of Kajsa Wahlberg, National Rapporteur on the few service providers in London to focus regulations and monitoring so that, Trafficking in Human Beings in Sweden, who was on violence against women rather than solely appointed to the group. for example, the law will determine on domestic violence. in what places, at what times and During the election campaigns for the under what conditions stealing and The nia project is committed to developing ef- European Parliament (EP) in 2009, CATW sup- killing are permitted.” fective partnerships in a coordinated response. ported the French organization, Mouvement The project will be seeking to work in partner- du Nid. After the election on June 7, 2009, ship with other women’s organizations across the number of MEPs’ with abolitionist ideas - Josephine Butler, 1875 London to highlight the issues of trafficking increased substantially in the EP. and sexual exploitation in preparation for the

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Programs for Migrants and Potential Victims of Human Trafficking in Georgia

The lack of available jobs in the Republic additional skills to be able to obtain expert Russia’s military actions in August 2008 and they now produce handmade socks and of Georgia remains a major obstacle to the positions as real estate agents. made FCRS goals difficult to achieve. A mittens to sell at the local market. improvement of socio-economic conditions gradual downturn of business activities of women. These conditions often make FCRS continues to assist victims of traffick- greatly impacted the real estate and con- More training programs are needed among women vulnerable to becoming victims of sex ing by establishing mini–lectures and special struction industries, negatively affecting the rural population of Georgia, and FCRS trafficking and/or labour exploitation. Despite educational programs for potential migrants. In employment opportunities. These circum- will continue to provide equal opportunities to facing difficulties in aiding participants to the fall of 2009, these activities were under- stances hindered some of the program initia- the most vulnerable groups; single mothers, re-integrate into society, the Centre for tives, causing FCRS to refocus their efforts women leading households, and most impor- Protection of Foreign Citizens and Migrants on traditional training and integration into the tantly, women and girls displaced in military Rights and Security (FCRS) has achieved local community. conflict areas. FCRS will continue to develop many significant results. new targets and re-design its organization’s In an effort to bring more benefits to migrants strategy to meet the goal of preventing more FCRS’s projects include short courses for and victims of trafficking, FCRS conducted women and girls from becoming the victims potential migrants and victims of trafficking to two training sessions covering the legal of human trafficking. help them gain new skills as real estate agents, aspects of human rights, with specific focus an occupation that was in high demand before on discrimination against women in Kareli and the economic downturn. At the time, develop- Signaghi. Home-based friendly meetings have ers and construction companies throughout been retained on the program schedule, as 1 Local development partner: Professional Georgia, particularly in the capital city of Tbilisi, well as sessions with psychologists, as they Association Management Company Ltd. (PAM were expanding their construction activities, have proven to be efficient activities in achiev- Group) was formed in June 2007. The major goal of In Tbilisi, IRPF, in cooperation with PAM Group, hosted a which was the largest share of the GDP. one-day workshop for realtors and appraisers operating at ing FCRS goals. the company is to assist professional associations the local market place. operating on the real estate property marketplace FCRS, in cooperation with the Professional In the future, FCRS will focus on new areas to attain further strength and professional growth. Association Management Group (PAMG suffering from military conflict. We have had PAM Group provides training for realtors, develop- Ltd.),1 which acted as the management taken in Signagi and Poti. In total, five training a number of sessions with two women that ers, property managers, etc. company for the Georgian Real Estate courses were conducted during the program’s recently escaped from Turkey. These women Association (GREA), developed training implementation process. A total of 76 people had been promised paid job opportunities courses for FCRS program participants. were given the opportunity to attend the abroad but instead were forced to work 14 PAMG selected the trainers among the training and obtain new skills and knowledge, hours per day and were paid just enough GREA members, who then conducted train- allowing them to get performance-based jobs to survive. These women were found as a ing sessions in five towns of Georgia: Tbilisi, in real estate agencies and construction/devel- result of FCRS’s task group visiting one of the Kareli, Telavi, Signaghi, and Poti. Their strat- oper companies in Georgia. villages in Kakheti. Today, these women are egy was to equip program participants with self-employed. FCRS friends donated wool,

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CATW in Action A Centre for Immigrant Women in Prostitution Policy in Belgium Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

The Action Coalition on Human Trafficking Members of the Advisory Committee to ACT During the spring of 2008, CATW commented makes it complex to deal with the problems (ACT) Alberta comprises government minis- Alberta have been instrumental in support- on a proposal by the Brussels Capital Region that go along with prostitution, and to give tries, NGOs and members of the public who ing policy change for international victims of to put into place a uniform prostitution policy proper care to the prostitutes.” strive to identify and eradicate human traffick- human trafficking in Alberta. As a result of for its 19 municipalities. Belgium has a system ing in Alberta. It mobilizes various stakehold- ACT Alberta’s advocacy efforts, victims with of legal brothels, including the infamous The proposed policy is aimed at finding solu- ers in Alberta to work together to reduce both Temporary Resident’s Permits are now able window-brothels, licensed through municipali- tions to nuisances that accompany activities the vulnerability of potential victims and the to access income support from the provincial ties. These brothels exist mainly in Flemish associated with prostitution, such as traffic, demand for exploitation in all its forms, ensur- government. This economic assistance is criti- Belgium cities such as Antwerp and Ghent, yelling, fights, indecent behavior, filthiness, ing adequate protection and supporting those cal, because victims are often vulnerable to but they are also found in Brussels and along aggression and criminality. The policy will also who fall victim. ACT Alberta also supports the further exploitation when they have no means the highways outside smaller Belgian towns. address health care services for women in efficient prosecution of criminals involved in to support themselves. prostitution, tax policies, methods for prevent- human trafficking while respecting the funda- ing young men and women from becoming mental human rights of all persons. involved in prostitution, and exit assistance to those who are currently in prostitution. The ACT Alberta aims to increase knowledge and new Brussels policy was expected to be in awareness about human trafficking, promote place by the end of 2009. effective rights-based responses, build the capacity of all involved stakeholders, and fos- In June 2008, CATW Co-Executive Director, ter partnerships for joint action against human Gunilla S. Ekberg, testified to the Belgian trafficking. Senate’s Judicial Committee on a proposal that targets men who buy victims of trafficking In 2008, ACT Alberta administered work- for sexual purposes. Ms. Ekberg commended shops and awareness-raising sessions to the initiative but argued against its limited various NGOs that may come into contact Highway brothel outside the town of Diest in Flanders. scope and pointed to potential problems, the with trafficked persons. ACT Alberta supports “New owners (Hans and Wilma)! Rooms for 4 hours, €29.” difficulty of proving that buyers knew that they the formation of community-lead chapters in were purchasing victims of trafficking. Ms. various towns and cities across the province, The Brussels proposal was made, in part, in Ekberg also initiated a vivid discussion on the recognizing that each community faces differ- response to the possible opening of a mega- breach of Belgium’s international obligations ent manifestations of trafficking. ACT Alberta is brothel, modeled on an Antwerp brothel called through its municipal brothel-licensing scheme. concerned with all forms of human trafficking, Villa Tinto, in one of the poorer Brussels mu- including international and domestic trafficking, nicipalities. According to the mandate for the trafficking of men and women, and trafficking development of the new policy, “The lack of for labour and sexual exploitation. structure and uniformity in prostitution policies

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Incremental Changes of Prostitution Policies in the Netherlands Gunilla S. Ekberg and Karin Werkman

On October 1, 2000, the Netherlands lifted its In May 2008, Ms. Ekberg was invited to The problems move from legal brothels to other general brothel ban, and replaced the criminal Hague to meet with senior political advisors (unregulated) “sex businesses.” The pro- provisions with a municipal licensing system. “The wife who to the Dutch Minister of Justice, Ernst Hirsch posed legislation would offer local govern- During the past two years, many, including Ballin, to discuss prostitution prevention ments ample opportunity to refuse permits. local law enforcement agencies, have ques- just found her measures. The meeting took place in connec- tioned the Dutch policies on prostitution. In fact, tion with the development of a government • Self-employed prostituted women have to there seems to be a growing consensus in the husband’s private proposal for a new national strategy on pros- register with the authorities; unregistered Netherlands that the legalization of brothels titution. The proposal included legislation that women are criminalized. was a mistake. The City Council of Amsterdam pleasure collection penalizes the buyer of a person who is known has closed more than 200 brothels and con- to be a victim of trafficking or who does not • Sex buyers who purchase prostituted women cluded: “There is now sufficient evidence that the girl at the bus have a license to practice as a “prostitute,” as in illegal brothels unregistered “prostitutes” or women in the Amsterdam Red Light District well as measures that allow municipalities to victims of trafficking will be criminalized. have been forced to work there and that traf- stop who has just deny brothel licenses. In September, a meet- ficking in women is taking place. Parliamentary ing was also organized with representatives of • Municipalities can opt for a “zero-solution” research and evaluations of the government been molested the Justice Committee of the Dutch Parliament (i.e., no brothels on their territory). also showed that criminals dominate the Red for a discussion session on Dutch and Light District. Legalization did not achieve the the lady walking Scandinavian prostitution policies. In 2008, a The Parliament, police and municipalities have expected result, namely a decrease in women post-graduate educational institution in the also requested that the minimum age for an being forced, and the trafficking of women.” the street followed Netherlands approached CATW in Brussels individual to engage in prostitution be raised with a request to train senior police officers on from 18 to 21 years-of-age, and that it should In April 2008, CATW Co-Executive Director by cat-calls and prostitution and trafficking in human beings. be possible to register a “suspicion of traffick- Gunilla S. Ekberg met with the Dutch national The training took place in May 2008. ing” in human beings in the municipal license coordinator on human trafficking at the National craned necks registers. There is yet no agreement whether a Police Crime Squad, Henk Werson. The meet- In December 2008, the Ministers of Justice suspicion of trafficking should be recognized ing focused on the effects of Dutch prostitu- I’m sorry…” and Interior opened a public consultation on as a ground for refusal of a prostitution license. tion policies on the involvement of organized a draft legislative amendment regarding the It would, however, automatically create an crime, and on those who are exploited in the - Jonathan Paul Walton, Poet/Activist regulation of prostitution. The main points of obligation for the municipality to investigate, Dutch prostitution industry. In particular, the “I’m Sorry Anna Nicole” the proposed legislation are as follows: something the police authorities and the participants expressed their keen interest in the municipalities claim will require a substantial results of the Swedish approach to prostitution • All “sex businesses” will have to apply for increase in funding and time. It is expected and trafficking in human beings, and provided a licenses and be registered locally. The cur- that the proposal will be presented to the severe critique of the Dutch system. rent licensing requirements focus exclusively Parliament by the end of 2009. on brothels, while there is evidence that the

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Victory in Rhode Island CATW’s Campaign Against HBO’s Cathouse

CATW contributed to a significant victory in CATW also helped secure a clause provid- As part of CATW’s campaign against the Rhode Island, resulting in a major setback for ing for the removal of convictions from the cultural and legal acceptance of prostitu- pimps and the sex industry. For the past 30 record of a prostituted person one year after tion, we initiated an action against Home Box years, “indoor” prostitution has been allowed completion of sentence. Expungement of Office (HBO) to protest the network’s “docu- to operate legally in that state. In October convictions, however, does not apply to johns mentary” series Cathouse. Cathouse, filmed 2009, the Rhode Island legislature passed bills or traffickers/pimps. All of this was achieved in a Nevada brothel, normalizes the sexual that ended this practice, effective immediately. in a political environment where just a few exploitation of women and girls in its portray- Not only is “indoor” prostitution no longer months before, the trafficking bill was given a al of prostitution and the sex industry. HBO’s legal, but their anti-trafficking law is stronger, less than 50 percent chance of passage. depiction of legalized prostitution normalizes women under 18 can no longer be exploited exploitive behavior by transforming pimps into as strip club dancers, and there is now an legitimate entrepreneurs and businessmen expungement clause in the prostitution law. and buyers of sex into ordinary customers.

CATW’s Senior Washington Advisor, Eleanor CATW urged the Chairman of HBO, Bill Gaetan, recommended that CATW generate Nelson, to stop promoting prostitution and a letter directed to the Rhode Island legisla- sex trafficking and to cease glamorizing ture to counter the Letter of 50 Academics, commercial sexual exploitation through so- which advocated against changing existing called “documentary” shows like Cathouse. laws. CATW’s letter was ultimately co-signed These programs are highly staged, one- by Equality Now, Melissa Farley Ph.D of sided advertisements that legitimize pimps Prostitution Research and Education (PRE) and portray prostitution as acceptable, and Professor Catharine A. MacKinnon, Esq., harmless entertainment. CATW insisted that University of Michigan. HBO produce shows that tell the truth about prostitution and its profound impact on hu- CATW provided ongoing support to the man trafficking. Rhode Island Coalition Against Human Trafficking (RICAHT) and worked to convince Equality Now, ECPAT USA, Sanctuary for the Senate leadership to differentiate be- Families, and NOW-NYC, assembled in front tween the prostituted versus johns and pimps of HBO’s corporate offices and repeated CATW and partner organizations protesting outside of the in the final compromise bill. CATW advocated powerful slogans like, “HBO the network HBO corporate offices in New York City. for stronger sex trafficking provisions with PIMP” and “HBO Lies to the Nation … anti-prostitution laws. Cathouse is sexploitation.”

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Defeat of Proposition K in San Francisco, California

In response to a letter received from Mr. CATW provided financial and political support Nelson defending HBO, Norma Ramos, Co- to help defeat Proposition K in San Francisco. Executive Director of CATW, stated, “We “Prop K” sought to change the enforcement “I am here to speak for the maintain our position that by airing Cathouse of laws related to prostitution by directing the victims and survivors of … HBO is promoting prostitution and sex San Francisco Police Department and the trafficking. HBO’s documentaries expos- District Attorney to refuse to enforce the State human trafficking. They ing gender-based violence does not negate of California’s prostitution laws. These include ask that the problem be or erase in any way the damage created by laws against traffickers and those involved airing Cathouse. By presenting Cathouse as in exploiting women and children. Non- acknowledged. They want a documentary, you are playing a key role in enforcement of these laws would, in effect, put their exploitation to be the cultural mainstreaming of prostitution.” out a welcome mat to traffickers and pimps, and place communities in the San Francisco recognized as a crime. Shows like HBO’s Cathouse portray a false area at greater risk. They want states to admit image that no one is hurt by prostitution. Through working with trafficking survivors, Dr. Melissa Farley of Prostitution, Research that they are citizens of the CATW and its partners around the world and Education (PRE), who lead the movement state whose human rights know that this belief is tragically and dan- to defeat “Prop K,” credits CATW’s support as gerously inaccurate. 80 percent of human allowing “the movement to link prostitution to have been violated. They trafficking victims are women and girls, 70 sex trafficking, which was key in turning the want protection. They want percent of whom end up in prostitution. This public in favor of defeat.” harms not only prostituted women but all both their own state and women, because it reinforces the degrading Proposition K was ultimately defeated on stereotype that women are sexual commodi- November 4, 2008, by a 57.54 percent vote. the global community to ties to be bought and sold, rather than human provide them protection. beings with full human rights and dignity. Their first demand is visibility.”

- “Implications of Human Trafficking for International Peace and Security” Ruchira Gupta Founder President of Apne Aap Women Worldwide

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CATW News CATW at the New York Bar Multidimensional Security Against Organized Abolishing Sex Slavery: From Stockholm to Hunts Point Crime in Latin America

CATW held a well-attended and very success- National Director of the National Conference of Two hundred years after it was abolished, The actual dimensions of the global sex trade ful panel discussion on November 6, 2008, at Black Lawyers (NCBL). Norma Ramos, CATW’s slavery remains a reality in the world. are vast. Transnational criminal organizations the Association of the Bar of the City of New Co-Executive Director, served as moderator. Unfortunately, the victims are often the most have discovered the illegal marketing of spe- York. Entitled “Abolishing Sex Slavery: From vulnerable in society and so far nothing has cific areas incurs significant monetary gain and Stockholm to Hunts Point, Implementing Members of the New York Bar as well as pro- been done to discourage the demand, which less risk. As a result, many governments erase Legislative Strategies to Combat Human fessors and students filled the room to capac- is the engine that drives the sex industry. One the issue from their agenda and only focus on ity. Several important topics were discussed, cannot speak about human prosperity without drug trafficking. Fighting drug traffickers has including Sweden’s legal approach to prostitu- securing full human rights enforcement, digni- led to profound violence in Mexico, particularly tion and how their criminal justice system has fied living conditions for all, governability and the northern and southern border states. This made violence against women a priority. Judge democracy. violence puts more victims at risk of being Camacho spoke about his experiences in the trafficked. The Mexican government lacks a court before and after passage of the Safe The concept of security today has expanded comprehensive and long-term plan to address Harbor Act, the newly enacted law in New York its frame of reference and includes threats the situation. State that gives sexually exploited children the such as international terrorism, drug and hu- same protections extended to foreign-born man trafficking, the global sex industry, and In Latin America, a set of complex circum- children under the federal law. Similarly, he re- organized crime. In the LAC Region, poverty, stances still seems irreconcilable today. This ported on his experiences before and after the disease, lack of opportunity, and corruption is why we must strengthen active participation

Norma Ramos, Executive Director CATW; Birgitta Ohlsson, passage of the 2007 New York State legisla- have infiltrated the democratic structures in women’s rights issues to reduce public and Swedish Liberal Party MP, President of Liberal Women of tion that makes sex trafficking a B-level felony and contribute to the deterioration of human private violence against women and girls. One Sweden; and Jenny Sonesson, Secretary-General of the and increases penalties against those who security. cannot speak of human development in Latin Liberal Women of Sweden patronize prostitution—which has gone from an America without a guarantee of life, integrity, A-level misdemeanor to a B-level felony. Organized crime manifests with great force and security for all. Trafficking,” the panel created a national and in Latin America. Studies show that drug international dialogue on the importance of Professor Goode presented on the history of trafficking and trafficking in women and girls abolishing sex slavery. It featured Birgitta the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPRA) account for 40 percent of the GDP in the Latin Ohlsson, the Swedish Liberal Party MP and and its current status in the U.S. Senate. American Region1. Organized crime in which 1. Francisco Rojas, FLACSO Secretary General, President of the Liberal Women of Sweden; Following the panel CATW board members, women and girls are for sale or reduced to in his paper “Globalization and Violence in Latin Jenny Sonesson, Secretary-General of the Twiss Butler and Dorchen Leidholdt provided sex objects has an economic objective that America, State Weakness, Organized Crime and Liberal Women of Sweden; the Honorable important information on the TVPRA, the Safe crosses national borders and poses global disparity inhibit human development.¨ Fernando M. Camacho, Presiding Justice of the Harbor Act and the work that still needs to be threats. Organized crime is the main player in Queens Integrated Domestic Violence Court; done. Butler and Liedholt also actively partici- the trafficking of women and girls and repre- and Professor Victor M. Goode, Professor pated in the question and answer portion of sents the greatest danger to Latin American of Law at Cuny Law School and the former the evening. and Caribbean societies.

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Sigma Huda Released from Jail CATW Honors Congressional Anti-Slavery Champion of 2008 Award Recipient

In February 2008, CATW board members Along with the UN Special Rapporteur on the Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney of the Dorchen Leidholdt and Janice Raymond trav- Independence of Lawyers and Judges, they New York State 14th Congressional District eled to Bangladesh to appeal to governmen- officially expressed concern that Ms. Huda’s received the 2008 Congressional Anti-Slavery tal authorities on behalf of Sigma Huda, the right to legal representation and the inde- Champion Award for her remarkable leader- former Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in pendence of the judiciary had been “severely ship and dedication on behalf of victims of Persons, Especially Women and Children. Ms. affected” during her trial. human trafficking. Ms. Maloney was honored Huda was arrested and jailed in July 2007, af- for promoting strong measures to end the ter the Special Powers Act banned political ac- Sigma Huda was released on bail on June demand for prostitution, including playing an tivities and gave the police power to arrest four 5, 2008, after almost a year in prison. In important role in the passage of the Williams or more persons assembled in one place. She December 2008, elections were finally held in Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection and was sentenced in August to a three–year term Bangladesh, and the military-backed gov- Reauthorization Act of 2008 (TVPRA). The on charges of aiding and abetting corruption. ernment ceded power to the Awami League TVPRA enhances provisions to assist victims party, led by Sheikh Hasina. In January 2009, while strengthening the ability of prosecutors Ms. Huda’s incarceration had exacerbated her Nazmul Huda, Ms. Huda’s husband, was also to hold traffickers accountable. life-threatening health conditions, including released on bail, after serving a two–year

heart problems, renal impairment, and spinal imprisonment. Ms. Huda’s health continues to CATW partner Equality Now held a press On behalf of the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women and and back pain. With the help of Bangladeshi be of great concern, and it remains to be seen conference at which Gloria Steinem hon- Sanctuary for Families, the leaders of the New York State officials, NGOs, and representatives from the whether she will be able to leave the country ored Ms. Maloney. The event was attended Anti-Trafficking Coalition, which includes Gloria Steinem, Dorchen Leidholdt, honor Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney U.S. Embassy in Dhaka, the two CATW board for much-needed heart surgery. by Taina Bien-Aime and Jessica Newirth of as the Congressional Anti-Slavery Champion of 2008. members held a press conference attended Equality Now, CATW Co-Executive Director by both national and international journalists. Norma Ramos and CATW co-founder Dorchen At this conference, they publicized her health Leidholdt. Leidholdt stated, “Congresswoman condition, tireless human rights record and the Maloney’s enduring and dedicated advocacy need for her release from prison. on behalf of victims of human trafficking is unparalleled in the halls of Congress. Over During this time, Malka Marcovich, CATW’s and over, she has demonstrated her profound European director, publicized Ms. Huda’s understanding of the harm of human traffick- case with European and international NGOs in ing, gleaned primarily from her compassionate, Europe, most notably UN Watch, which issued respectful attention to the testimony of survi- a statement calling for Ms. Huda’s release. vors, and her acute awareness of what it takes Lawyers’ Rights Watch Canada issued a state- to stop this horrific crime and severe human ment challenging the legitimacy of Ms. Huda’s rights violation.” conviction and calling for her release as well.

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Advocacy and the Arts A Conversation Among Men The New Abolitionists About Sex Trafficking

On December 2, 2009, CATW held a very On August 22, 2009, CATW sponsored a successful event titled “A Conversation Among performance at the Allen Street School Men About Sex Trafficking” at the New York House in Hudson, New York, titled, “The “In her eyes I University Wasserman Center in New York City. New Abolitionists: The Fight Against Human The program seamlessly combined art and Trafficking” and produced by Morag Hann. saw a child activism to commemorate the UN International Actors were invited to recite speeches, quotes Day for the Abolition of Slavery. This program and commentary by leaders in the women’s dreaming of a was designed to bring together principled rights movement and those currently working male leaders in the field of human trafficking to to end violence against women. The venue future that she explore the leadership that men must provide and other services were graciously donated could create, for in confronting the demand for commercial Panelists Aaron Cohen, activist and author of Slave by Eleanor Ambos. The cast included Heidi sex, which leads to sex trafficking. The panel Hunter; Peter Buffett, composer and co-chair of the NoVo Jackson, Celia Shaefer, Lucy Avery Brooke, herself, through featured Aaron Cohen, activist and author of Foundation; Michael Cory Davis, actor and activist; and Allison Daugherty, Hazelle Goodman, Terria Jonathan Walton, poet activist. Slave Hunter; Peter Buffett, composer and co- Joseph, Jane Gennaro, Kim Sykes and education like any chair of the NoVo Foundation; Michael Cory Michael Arkin. Songs were performed by Davis, actor and activist; and Jonathan Walton, Lainie Cooke. Antonia Bernard created and other child … not poet activist. presented a short film especially for the event. being raped on a Gloria Steinem provided opening remarks, which focused on the myth of the inevitabil- daily basis for her ity of prostitution by referring to women’s daily bread.” historical roles, citing various cultures where prostitution did not exist. - Tatiana Kotlyarenko of EPA-WA CATW’s Executive Director Norma Ramos reporting on her work in Ghana Guest speaker Gloria Steinem at CATW’s event “A moderated the event, and initiated the conver- Conversation Among Men About Sex Trafficking” on December sation by introducing abolitionism and speak- 2, 2009, at the New York University Wasserman Center. ing about the central role that male privilege plays in the inequality of women. The panelists spoke candidly about pornography’s affect on for commercial sex. male sexuality, the lack of political will among men to end commercial sexual exploitation, The event was attended by approximately and their individual work to end the demand 200 guests, many in the anti-trafficking field.

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CATW Remembers Norma Hotaling Louise Armstrong

Norma Hotaling, founder and Executive member and leader of the Coalition Against Louise Armstrong, feminist writer and friend that she had sent me for comment. Setting Director of the SAGE Project in San Francisco, Trafficking in Women (CATW). of CATW, passed away on August 10, 2008, Out is its title, and the book is a commentary passed away on December 16, 2008, follow- at the age of 71 in Los Angeles, California. on the women’s movement, its history and its ing a short illness. Ms. Hotaling’s pioneering work lives on in Together with her good friend, Florence Rush, current state as only Louise — with what Julie the expansion of services for trafficked and who also passed away in December, 2008 Bindel has called her “wicked wit” — could Ms. Hotaling transformed her own experienc- prostituted people, and in the requirement (see accompanying article), she brought the have written it. es in prostitution into a mission of social jus- of accountability for those who buy and sell truth about incest out and revealed it as what tice for her sisters and brothers who had also human beings. Rather than assuming that exit it was — child sexual abuse. When she was “That I am, and am known been trafficked and exploited in prostitution. from prostitution was impossible, Ms. Hotaling lauded for breaking the silence, she retorted, to be a radical feminist. The rea- Through Ms. Hotaling, the voices of survivors fought for the right of those in prostitution to “Yes. But it was never our intention merely to son I am so known is that of commercial sexual exploitation reached the have the same quality of life that others have. start a long conversation [about it].” She was I do not like the fact that so forefront of the global movement against hu- a trenchant and always droll critic of the ways many men feel free to express man trafficking. Her life and her work dissolved Born July 21, 1951, and raised in Palm Beach in which has been eroded by the sexual violence toward women myths about prostitution. She was a beacon of Florida, Ms. Hotaling attended San Francisco “triumph of the therapeutic.” and children; and that I say it courage and an extraordinarily effective cham- State University. She graduated Magna Cum is men who, overwhelmingly, feel pion of victimized and marginalized women, Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree Her book, Kiss Daddy Goodnight: A Speakout free to do this. And it is children, men and transgendered people. in Health Education. She is survived by her on Incest, was followed by others that exam- the nature of —I mother, Norma Louise Hotaling, her brother ine and analyze child abuse, including And am an optimist: I believe men At the SAGE Project, Ms. Hotaling created James Hotaling, and her beloved companion They Call It Help: the Psychiatric Policing of could choose not to do this. a service agency for all survivors of sexual dog, Emma. America’s Children. In fact, I know this to be true, exploitation. Her model of peer-led services because men have said so. They offered by those who had “been there, done Louise was the daughter of one of the few do it because they want to and that”, as she explained, inspired people in women who, in the mid-20th century, made they can.” prostitution who felt that they previously a living in journalism. For thirteen years, her had no hope. Many survivors of prostitution mother worked for Walter Lippmann, the - Louise Armstrong who arrived at the doors of SAGE agree that Pulitzer prize-winning political commentator, their lives were saved by the example of Ms. first at The New York World and then at The Hotaling’s life and her affection for them as Herald Tribune. It was her mother’s mixed people about whom she deeply cared. Ms. messages of being and becoming a woman Hotaling also founded The First Offender writer that informed Louise’s young years. Program, a prostitution diversion program run jointly by SAGE and the San Francisco District As I write these few paragraphs about Louise, Attorney’s office. Ms. Hotaling was a board I find an introduction to a forthcoming book

36 CATW BIENNIAL REPORT 2008/2009 CATW BIENNIAL REPORT 2008/2009 37 CATW REMEMBERS

Florence Rush CATW salutes the human rights leaders around the world who with great vision have successfully worked to change the legal Florence Rush, author of The Best Kept in 1980. When Rush’s younger son, Matthew, Secret: Sexual Abuse of Children, and the first was stricken with AIDS in the mid-1980s, framework that discourages sex trafficking, now known as the feminist theorist to call children’s sexual abuse she formed one of the first mothers’ sup- Nordic Model. a political and patriarchal issue, passed away port groups. A lecturer for Women Against on Tuesday, December 8, 2009, at her home Pornography in its early years, she later in Greenwich Village, New York, just short of worked with the New York chapter of the her 91st birthday. National Organization for Women (NOW) on its Sweden 1999 Norway 2009 Images of Children in the Media Committee. A person caught buying sex shall be Any person who engages in or aids and Florence was born in and grew up She also enjoyed a weekly poker game with sentenced to a fine or imprisonment for abets another person to engage in sexual in the Bronx before moving to Westchester in neighbors and friends until failing health cur- up to six months. An attempt to purchase activity or commit a sexual act, on making the early 1950s. Married, with three children, tailed her activities. sexual services is punishable under or agreeing payment, shall be liable to she worked as a psychiatric social worker Chapter 23 of the Swedish Penal Code. fines or to imprisonment for a term not and community activist in New Rochelle. She is survived by her son, Thomas, her Rush joined a chapter of Older Women’s daughter, Eleanor, and two grandchildren. She exceeding six months or to both. The *Since the enactment of this law Sweden is Liberation (OWL) in 1970 and subsequently also leaves a network of friends who warmly reporting a 40% decline in sex trafficking. Norwegian legislation addresses sex moved to Greenwich Village. She electrified recall her gracious hospitality in New York and tourism by including the purchase of a a New York Radical Feminist Conference on on Fire Island, and who will never forget her Republic of Korea (South Korea) 2004 sexual act outside Norway. In 2009, 334 Rape in April 1971 with her theory, inspired brilliant, original mind, her singular contribution The Act on the Punishment of Procuring buyers were arrested, charged and fined. by evidence she had collected in a facility for to feminist theory, her nurturing advice and aid, Prostitution and Associated Acts stipu- delinquent girls, that identified familiar males her impossible platform shoes, and her baked Iceland 2009 — fathers, stepfathers, older brothers, uncles, lasagna. lates that anyone who buys sex shall be Those caught paying for prostitution could neighbors and family friends — as the major punished by imprisonment for not more sexual abusers of children. She brilliantly than one year or by a fine not exceeding 3 face a fine or up to one year in prison. traced the toleration of such abuse to the million won (US$ 2600). In 2006, a survey If the victim is under the age of 18, the beginnings of history and cultural/religious found that of the 49 percent of men who buyer risks up to two years in prison. customs. had previously used women in prostitu- Reykjavik has also been successful in tion, 85 percent had desisted after the closing down 10 of its 13 strip clubs. A wealth of books on child sexual abuse written by academics, journalists and celebri- enactment of the law. ties followed Rush’s pioneering papers and lectures, while personal accounts were to become a staple on television talk shows. Rush’s The Best Kept Secret was published

38 CATW BIENNIAL REPORT 2008/2009 CATW BIENNIAL REPORT 2008/2009 39 The Coalition Against Trafficking in Women (CATW) PO Box 7427 Jaf Station New York, NY 10116 USA Tel: +1 212 643 9895 Fax: +1 212 643 9896 Email: [email protected] www.catwinternational.org